Interleukin (IL)-32 is a multifunctional cytokine involved in inflammation regulation, immune response, and tumor biology. The IL-32 gene consists of eight exons and produces nine different isoforms through alternative splicing. First identified in activated T cells and natural killer cells, the expression of IL-32 is increased by various stimuli, including microorganisms, mitogens, and inflammatory cytokines. IL-32 is widely expressed in various human tissues, including the spleen, thymus, lungs, liver, and intestines. Its expression is particularly prominent in immune cells, where it plays a key role in regulating cell growth, metabolism, and immune responses, and is associated with various inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, atopic dermatitis, infectious diseases, and metabolic syndrome) and malignant tumors (e.g., esophageal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, gastric cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, and lymphoma). IL-32 has been reported to promote or inhibit inflammatory responses and tumor development by regulating major signaling pathways such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), depending on its isoform and cellular context. Nevertheless, a comprehensive understanding of the isoform-specific roles and molecular mechanisms of IL-32 in cancer and inflammatory diseases remains incomplete. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to summarize the current literature on the function of IL-32 in the development of inflammatory diseases and cancer, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting IL-32 through emerging big data analysis.

K63-linked ubiquitination (K63) is closely associated with the interaction, intracellular trafficking or activity of tagged proteins. However, its role during metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is largely unknown. Here we show that UBE2N, a ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme that specializes in creating K63, is downregulated by THAP11 in human and mouse hepatocytes with MASH. While hepatocyte-specific Ube2n deficiency exacerbates western diet-induced MASH and fibrosis via PANoptosis and impaired mitophagy, its overexpression reverses these pathological phenotypes and restores hepatic homeostasis. Mechanistically, UBE2N increases PARKIN-mediated K63-p62 at lysine 420, promoting K63-p62 translocation into damaged mitochondria for mitophagic clearance. Ube2n deficiency, conversely, induces cytoplasmic p62 accumulation and NRF2 hyperactivation, driving PANoptosis. Additional Sqstm1 deletion mitigates Ube2n deletion-induced pathologies, highlighting the importance of p62 accumulation for MASH progression. Thus, our results demonstrate that hepatocyte UBE2N is essential for regulation of metabolic stress-mediated mitophagy and PANoptosis, and that p62 is a proof-of-concept target for treating MASH and fibrosis.

Genes and coexpression networks related to immune and inflammatory responses are upregulated in blood and multiple brain regions of individuals with schizophrenia, yet their mechanistic contribution to disease pathophysiology remains unclear. We previously identified transmembrane TNFα (tmTNFα) in brain endothelial cells (ECs) as a potential regulator of immune-related gene networks in schizophrenia and showed that short-term overexpression of an uncleavable tmTNFα (uc-tmTNFα) in mouse brain ECs induces schizophrenia-relevant behaviors via TNF receptor 2 (TNFR2). To investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the behaviors, we performed biochemical and transcriptomic analyses in mice with short-term (4 weeks) or long-term (28 weeks) tmTNFα expression, and in TNFR2 knockout mice. In the short-term model (STM), phosphorylation of TNFR2 signaling-associated proteins (AKT, IκBα, ERK, JNK) was increased in astrocytes, while cGMP levels were reduced in ECs and neurons-effects absent in TNFR2 knockouts. Long-term expression (LTM) exacerbated schizophrenia-like behaviors, further reduced cGMP levels, and increased neuronal ERK phosphorylation. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed temporally distinct, cell type-specific transcriptional responses. STM upregulated TNFR2 signaling genes in astrocytes and downregulated cGMP-PKG and synaptic genes in neurons. In contrast, LTM upregulated TNF signaling genes in ECs and downregulated autophagy and mTOR pathway genes in glial cells. Western blot analysis of autophagy markers and sGC activity assays confirmed cell type specific alterations in autophagic flux and cGMP production. Together, our data show that tmTNFα expression in brain ECs induces transcriptional and signaling changes that evolve from acute astrocyte and synaptic disruption to chronic immune activation, metabolic dysregulation, and altered post-translational regulation. These alterations may contribute to schizophrenia-relevant phenotypes.

The tumor suppressor protein p53 is a known modulator of neurodegenerative disease (ND) processes. Although p53 expression is increased in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and ischemic stroke, its role in mood disorders such as anxiety and depression remains unclear. To investigate the role of p53 in behavioral responses to chronic stress, we examined behavioral and molecular alterations in p53 knockout (p53-/-) mice and wild type mice. In p53-/- mice, increased vulnerability to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors was observed following CUMS exposure. In parallel with these behavioral changes, BDNF expression was reduced, whereas glutamate levels were elevated in the prefrontal cortex of p53-/- mice. Increased calcium-associated staining and NMDAR2B expression were observed together with increased neuronal injury- and cell death-related markers. In primary cortical neurons derived from p53-/- mice, corticosterone treatment resulted in greater increases in glutamate levels, NMDAR2B expression compared to wild-type controls. Cell death markers (cleaved caspase-3, p-p38, p-JNK) were upregulated, while neuroprotective signals (BDNF, p-Akt, p-ERK, p-CREB) were suppressed in p53-/- mice, and corticosterone-treated primary neuronal cells from p53-/- mice. These findings indicate that p53 deficiency is associated with enhanced vulnerability to CUMS-induced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and is accompanied by alterations in calcium handling, glutamate homeostasis, neuronal injury-related markers, and BDNF-associated neuroprotective signaling.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are important epigenetic anticancer agents that regulate gene expression, induce cell cycle arrest, and promote apoptosis. In this study, a novel series of 2-oxoindoline-capped hydroxamic acids was designed, synthesized and evaluated for their capacity to inhibit histone deacetylases and suppress cancer cell proliferation. The screening panel incorporated multiple cancer models spanning different organ systems, including colorectal adenocarcinoma (SW620, HCT116), triple-negative breast cancer (MDA-MB-231), non-small cell lung carcinoma (A549), and prostate cancer (PC-3). Comparative assessment against non-transformed fibroblasts (MRC-5) enabled evaluation of selectivity and tolerability profiles. Several derivatives exhibited potent HDAC inhibition at submicromolar concentrations, with compounds 7c, 10b, and 10c showing stronger activity than the reference inhibitor SAHA. Among them, compound 10c demonstrated broad antiproliferative effects while maintaining relatively low toxicity toward normal cells. Mechanistic investigations revealed that 10c induced S-phase cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in SW620 colorectal cancer cells. Molecular docking studies against multiple HDAC isoforms supported the experimental findings by revealing favorable zinc coordination and key interactions within the catalytic pocket. To further elucidate the binding behavior and dynamic features of the most active derivatives, molecular dynamics simulations were performed for HDAC complexes with 7c, 10b, and 10c. The simulations revealed stable protein-ligand interactions without perturbation of the overall protein structure, while highlighting distinct binding dynamics among the compounds, with 10c exhibiting the highest binding persistence, followed by 7c and 10b. In addition, in silico ADME and toxicity predictions were carried out for compound 10c as a representative highly active derivative, indicating acceptable drug-like properties and a favorable safety profile. Overall, 2-oxoindoline-based hydroxamic acids, particularly those bearing extended alkyl linkers, represent promising scaffolds for further development of HDAC-targeted anticancer agents.

Introduction:Alzheimer's disease (AD) is neurodegenerative disorder characterized by chronic inflammation in the brain. Chitinase-3-like 1 (CHI3L1), a secreted glycoprotein that is upregulated in a variety of diseases with chronic inflammation, represents a promising target for AD. Here, we studied the inhibitory effect of a novel CHI3L1 monoclonal antibody (H1) on memory impairment and neuroinflammation in Tg2576 transgenic mice. Methods and results:H1 was shown to cross the blood-brain barrier selectively, as confirmed by fluorescence imaging. Tg2576 mice were administered H1 (2 mg/kg, i.v., weekly for 1 month), and cognitive functions were assessed through behavioral tests. H1 treatment alleviated memory impairment and reduced amyloid deposition and neuroinflammation both in Tg2576 mice and Aβ-induced BV-2 microglial cells. Mechanistically, H1 inhibited the ERK and NF-κB signaling pathways and suppressed M1 microglial marker expression. Global proteomic analysis and gene expression profiling in BV-2 cells and Tg2576 mouse brains revealed a strong association between CHI3L1 and HAX1 expression. H1 therapy significantly reduced HAX1 levels in both in vivo and in vitro models. Moreover, HAX1 induction by Aβ or CHI3L1 was blocked by an NF-κB inhibitor. Discussion:These findings suggest that CHI3L1 monoclonal antibody therapy may attenuate cognitive decline in AD by modulating neuroinflamma.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES:Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pervasive chronic joint disease characterized by the triad of persistent articular cartilage degeneration, debilitating synovial inflammation, and sustained chronic pain. Although salmon nasal cartilage proteoglycan (SPG) is recognized for supporting joint health, the precise molecular mechanism underlying its effects during OA progression remains to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the therapeutic efficacy of SPG using a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced mouse model. METHODS:A total of 180 male C57BL/6J mice (six-week-old) were utilized, organized into three independent cohorts to analyze distinct analytical endpoints: (1) pain assessment, histology, and immunohistochemistry; (2) mRNA expression analysis for early-stage OA (Day 3); and (3) mRNA expression analysis for the late-stage OA (Day 28). All subjects received daily oral treatment via gavage, commencing 5 days prior to OA induction and continuing until the designated experimental termination points (either Day 3 or Day 28). Each cohort comprised five experimental groups (n = 10-12 per group): a saline-injected Sham group, an MIA-induced Control group, a positive comparator receiving celecoxib (CLX, 20 mg/kg/day), and two groups administered SPG at a dose of 50 or 100 mg/kg/day. RESULTS:Our findings demonstrated that SPG, particularly at the 100 mg/kg dose, significantly mitigated joint pain symptoms, performing comparably to CLX. Histopathological assessments confirmed that SPG effectively preserved the structural integrity of the cartilage matrix and substantially reduced pathological damage, as evidenced by lower Mankin scores. Mechanistically, SPG treatment led to a marked downregulation of degradative enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3) and a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs 4 (ADAMTS-4), while concurrently normalizing the levels of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Furthermore, SPG prevented the aberrant, over-compensatory expression of anabolic markers such as SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX-9), type II collagen alpha 1 chain (COL2A1), and aggrecan (ACAN) typically observed in the disease's later stages. While SPG demonstrated a limited impact on broadly pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles, it specifically and significantly reduced interleukin-6 (IL-6) gene expression during the chronic phase. CONCLUSIONS:These results suggest that SPG serves as a promising natural agent that maintains articular homeostasis by balancing matrix metabolic pathways, positioning it as a scientifically validated functional food candidate for the management of joint health.

Messenger RNA therapeutics offer broad potential across various diseases, yet achieving sustained and efficient protein expression remains a central challenge. In this study, we report CJ-1, a novel mRNA construct engineered through systematic optimization of major regulatory elements, including the 5' and 3' untranslated regions and poly (A) tail. CJ-1 consistently outperformed first-generation mRNA constructs in protein expression across multiple cell types and in vivo mouse models. Moreover, CJ-1 elicited markedly lower cytokine responses, indicating reduced innate immune activation. To evaluate its therapeutic applicability, erythropoietin (EPO)-encoding CJ-1 mRNA was encapsulated in a Pfizer-BioNTech lipid nanoparticle formulation and administered intraperitoneally in mice. This resulted in elevated, sustained serum EPO levels and significant increases in reticulocyte counts and hematocrit. These findings support CJ-1 as a promising mRNA platform with enhanced expression and minimal immunogenicity, advancing the development of safer and more effective mRNA-based therapies.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by progressive cognitive deterioration and significant depression. However, the mechanisms linking depression to AD pathology remain unclear. Here, we investigated whether Notch2 signaling mediates depression-like behaviors in presenilin-2 (PS2) N141I mutant mice, an early-onset AD model. PS2 wild-type (WT) and mutant (MT) mice aged 12-15 months were subjected to unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) for 4 weeks, followed by sucrose preference, tail-hanging, and forced swimming tests. Behavioral assessments showed that UCMS exacerbated anhedonia and immobility only in PS2 MT mice. Molecular analysis revealed concomitant increases in plasma corticosterone, hippocampal γ-secretase activity, and Notch2 expression, and elevated total and phosphorylated glucocorticoid receptor levels in PS2 MT-UCMS mice. Gene expression profiling of human hippocampal datasets confirmed upregulation of NOTCH2 in Alzheimer's disease and depression. Pharmacological inhibition of γ-secretase and Notch signaling with DAPT normalizes depressive behavior, reduces corticosterone release, attenuates GR phosphorylation, and inhibits Notch2 signaling in PS2 MT mice. These findings identify Notch2 as a pivotal mediator linking chronic stress to molecular changes associated with depression and AD, and suggest that targeting Notch2 signaling may provide therapeutic benefits for comorbid mood and neurodegenerative disorders.

BACKGROUND: Cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, is crucial for maintaining genomic stability. Dysregulation of cytokinesis can contribute to cancer development. This study aimed to investigate the role of CHI3L1 in cytokinesis and its influence on lung cancer cell growth. METHODS: We modulated CHI3L1 expression in lung cancer cells (overexpression and depletion) and normal cells, assessing effects on cytokinesis, mitotic duration, and actomyosin ring formation. In vivo studies were conducted using CHI3L1 knockout mice with tumor xenografts. Expression and activity of RhoA and Ect2 were analyzed using immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: CHI3L1 overexpression in lung cancer cells accelerated cytokinesis, shortened mitosis, and enhanced cell proliferation. Conversely, CHI3L1 depletion in A549 cells increased multinucleation, impaired furrow formation, prolonged mitosis, and caused abnormal cytokinesis. Normal cells were less affected by CHI3L1 modulation. Mechanistically, CHI3L1 promoted formation and contraction of the actomyosin ring via RhoA and Ect2, effects more pronounced in cancer cells. In CHI3L1 knockout mice, tumor tissues exhibited reduced RhoA activity and Ect2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: CHI3L1 functions as a novel regulator of cytokinesis, promoting actomyosin ring formation and efficient mitosis, particularly in cancer cells. Its elevated expression in NSCLC and its influence on RhoA and Ect2 suggest that CHI3L1 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for disrupting aberrant cytokinesis in cancer.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is associated with the activation of Kupffer cells (KCs) and hepatic stellate cells, at which point a metabolically stressed hepatocyte becomes integral to the progression of the disease. We observed a significant reduction in the level of alpha-1-antitrypsin (A1AT), a hepatocyte-derived secreted factor, in both patients with MASH and mice fed a fast-food diet (FFD). KC-mediated hepatic inflammation, most notably IL-1β, led to the transcriptional inhibition of A1AT by HNF4α. In quintuple Serpina1a–e knockout mice, ablation of A1AT worsened MASH through increased activity of proteinase 3 (PR3), a proinflammatory protease produced by F4/80hi/CD11blow/TIM4−/CCR2+ monocyte-derived KCs (MoKCs). Conversely, A1AT restoration or PR3 inhibition mitigated MASH progression. A PR3-bound cytokine array identified IL-32 as a key factor associated with MASH. Combining IL-32 with SERPINA1, the gene encoding A1AT, synergistically predicted patients at risk of MASH through univariate logistic regression analysis. Furthermore, in vivo overexpression of IL-32γ alleviated MASH induced by FFD. However, additional knockout of A1AT increased PR3 activity, consequently abolishing the anti-MASH effects of IL-32γ. Blocking PR3-mediated IL-32γ cleavage via the V104A mutation sustained its protective actions, while the PR3-cleaved C-terminal fragment activated KCs. Additionally, after cleavage, the antifibrogenic effect of IL-32γ is lost, resulting in a failure to prevent the activation of hepatic stellate cells. This study highlights the critical role of hepatocyte-derived A1AT in the PR3/IL-32γ axis during MASH development. Strategies to correct A1AT dysregulation, such as A1AT supplementation or PR3 inhibition with sivelestat, may offer protection against the development and progression of MASH and fibrosis. Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a major cause of liver failure worldwide. Researchers are trying to understand how it progresses to more severe conditions such as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). This study focuses on a protein called alpha-1-antitrypsin, which is important for liver health. The researchers used mice and human samples to study the role of A1AT in liver disease. They found that A1AT levels are lower in people and mice with MASLD, which leads to increased inflammation and liver damage. They also discovered that a protein called proteinase 3 becomes more active when A1AT is low, worsening the condition. By experimenting with mice, they showed that increasing A1AT or blocking PR3 can reduce liver damage. This suggests new treatment possibilities for MASH. The study concludes that targeting the A1AT/PR3 pathway could help manage liver disease progression. This summary was initially drafted using artificial intelligence, then revised and fact-checked by the author.

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s disease, which is pathologically characterized by an excessive accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) fibrils, is a degenerative brain disease and the most common cause of dementia. In a previous study, it was reported that an increased level of CHI3L1 in plasma was found in AD patients. We investigated the inhibitory effect of 2-({3-[2-(1-cyclohexen-1-yl)ethyl]-6,7-dimethoxy-4-oxo-3,4-dihydro-2-quinazolinyl}sulfanyl)-N-(4-ethylphenyl)butanamide (K284-6111), an inhibitor of chitinase 3 like 1 (CHI3L1), on memory impairment in Aβ1–42-infused mice, and microglial BV-2 cells and astrocytes. Methods We examined whether K284-6111 (3 mg/kg given orally for 4 weeks) prevents amyloidogenesis and memory loss in Aβ1–42-induced AD mice model. After intracerebroventrical (ICV) infusion of Aβ1–42 for 14 days, the cognitive function was assessed by the Morris water maze test and passive avoidance test. K284-6111 treatment was found to reduce Aβ1–42-induced memory loss. Results A memory recovery effect was found to be associated with the reduction of Aβ1–42-induced expression of inflammatory proteins (iNOS, COX-2, GFAP, and Iba-1) and the suppression of CHI3L1 expression in the brain. Additionally, K284-6111 reduced Aβ1–42-induced β-secretase activity and Aβ generation. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced (1 μg/mL) expression of inflammatory (COX-2, iNOS, GFAP, Iba-1) and amyloidogenic proteins (APP, BACE1) were decreased in microglial BV-2 cells and cultured astrocytes by the K284-6111 treatment (0.5, 1, and 2 μM). Moreover, K284-6111 treatment suppressed p50 and p65 translocation into the nucleus, and phosphorylation of IκB in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion These results suggest that CHI3L1 inhibitor could be an applicable intervention drug in amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation, thereby preventing memory dysfunction via inhibition of NF-κB.

Background: Cathepsin D (Ctsd) has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for Alzheimer's disease (AD) due to its role in degrading intracellular amyloid beta (Aβ). Enhancing Ctsd activity could reduce Aβ42 accumulation and restore the Aβ42/40 ratio, offering a potential AD treatment strategy. Methods: This study explored Ctsd demethylation in AD mouse models using dCas9-Tet1-mediated epigenome editing. We identified dCas9-Tet1 as an effective tool for demethylating the endogenous Ctsd gene in primary neurons and in vivo brains. Results: Treatment with Ctsd-targeted dCas9-Tet1 in primary neurons overexpressing mutant APP (mutAPP) reduced Aβ peptide levels and the Aβ42/40 ratio. Additionally, in vivo demethylation of Ctsd via dCas9-Tet1 in 5xFAD mice significantly altered Aβ levels and alleviated cognitive and behavioral deficits. Conclusion: These findings offer valuable insights into developing epigenome editing-based gene therapy strategies for AD.

Dual-drug delivery systems using hydrogel–nanoparticle composites have emerged as a versatile platform for achieving controlled, targeted, and efficient delivery of two distinct therapeutic agents. This approach combines the high loading capacity and tunable release properties of hydrogels with the enhanced stability and targeting ability of nanoparticles, providing synergistic benefits in various biomedical applications. While significant progress has been made, previous research has primarily focused on single-drug systems or simple co-delivery strategies, often lacking precise spatial and temporal control. This gap underscores the need for more sophisticated composite designs that enable programmable, multi-phase release. This review discusses representative fabrication methods, including physical embedding, covalent integration, and layer-by-layer assembly, to offer insights into practical implementation strategies. Also we present recent studies focusing on key applications—including wound healing, cancer therapy, infection prevention, transplant immunosuppression, and tissue regeneration—with an emphasis on composite design and formulation strategies, types of hydrogels and nanoparticles, and mechanisms of dual-drug release and evaluation. Recent advances in nanoparticle engineering and hydrogel formulation have enabled precise control over drug release and improved therapeutic outcomes. Dual-drug delivery systems using hydrogel–nanoparticle composites present a promising approach for overcoming the limitations of conventional monotherapy and achieving synergistic therapeutic effects. Ongoing research continues to optimize the design, efficacy, and safety of these systems, paving the way for their clinical translation.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have emerged as compelling targets in developing anticancer therapeutics. This study outlines the development, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel hydroxamic acid derivatives featuring a 2-oxoindoline scaffold, which exhibit high HDAC inhibitory activity and potential anticancer effects. Three series of N-hydroxycinnamamides, N-hydroxyheptanamides, and N-hydroxybenzamides were synthesized and assessed for their biological activity. The results of the biological activity evaluation indicated that the synthesized derivatives exhibited notable inhibitory effects against SW620 (colon cancer) and HCT116 (human colorectal carcinoma). Compound N-hydroxy-7-(2-oxoindolin-1-yl)heptanamide (6a) exhibited remarkable HDAC inhibitory activity, achieving sub-nanomolar potency with an IC50 value of less than 0.001 µM. While this potent HDAC inhibition suggests strong enzymatic activity, the anticancer activity of 6a against SW620 and HCT116 was comparable to that of SAHA (IC50 of 0.101 µM). Analysis of selected compound 6a also revealed that this compound effectively triggered both early and late stages of apoptosis and caused cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase in SW620 cells. Finally, docking studies and molecular dynamics study conducted on the HDAC isoforms for series 6a-e identified key structural features that play a significant role in the inhibitory activity of the synthesized compounds.

Sporadic Alzheimer's disease (sAD) is marked by dysregulated lipid metabolism, prominently involving apolipoprotein E (ApoE). MicroRNA-33 (miR-33) has emerged as a key regulator of lipid homeostasis, yet its role in sAD remains unclear. This study investigated miR-33 dysregulation in APOE ε4 allele (ApoE4)-associated sAD and explored its therapeutic potential using clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-mediated gene editing. Elevated miR-33 expression was observed in both AD patients, particularly those with ApoE4-associated sAD, and in the ApoE4 mouse model, implicating its role in AD pathology. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we modulated miR-33 expression in astrocytes to regulate ApoE lipidation and ameliorate AD-related pathology. Our results show that targeted miR-33 regulation in astrocytes via CRISPR/Cas9 restores ApoE lipidation and mitigates AD pathology in both in vitro and in vivo AD mice. Additionally, applying this gene therapy approach in ApoE4 sAD patient cell lines highlights its translational potential for therapeutic intervention. In conclusion, our findings elucidate miR-33's role in AD pathogenesis and underscore the therapeutic promise of CRISPR-mediated miR-33 targeting for restoring lipid homeostasis and ameliorating AD pathology. This study provides valuable insights into developing miRNA-based gene therapy strategies for treating sAD.

Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have emerged as promising cancer therapeutics by regulating gene expression, halting cell cycle progression, and inducing apoptosis. This study explores the structure–activity relationship of 2-mercaptoquinazolin-4(3H)-one derivatives as potential anticancer agents and HDAC inhibitors. The library compounds were prepared via a three-step pathway by incorporating 2-mercaptoquinazoline and a hydroxamic acid moiety. The cytotoxicity of 27 synthesized hydroxamic acid derivatives was evaluated against SW620 (colon cancer), MDA-MB-231 (breast cancer), and MRC-5 (normal lung fibroblast) cell lines. Molecular docking studies on HDAC-isoforms for the 4a–i were also performed to identify the essential structural features that contribute to the biological activities. The results demonstrated that substituents at the N-3 position significantly influenced anticancer activity, with methyl-substituted derivatives (4a-i) exhibiting the highest cytotoxicity, followed by phenyl-substituted (7a-i) and benzyl-substituted (10a-i) compounds. Among the tested compounds, 4a (-H) and 4c (7-CH₃) showed as the most potent active compounds, with IC50 values of 4.24 ± 1.16 µM and 3.61 ± 0.32 µM against SW620 cells, and 2.93 ± 0.68 µM and 3.34 ± 0.32 µM against MDA-MB-231 cells, respectively. HDAC inhibition assays revealed that 4a-d and 4 g exhibited superior inhibitory activity compared to SAHA. Further investigation of 4a and 4c in SW620 cells showed that both compounds induced G2/M phase cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis, supporting their potential as promising HDAC inhibitors with anticancer properties. Among the most active compounds, 4a and 4c may serve as promising leads for the development of novel HDAC-targeted anticancer therapies.

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are key therapeutic targets in oncology, and hydroxamic acid derivatives represent one of the most effective inhibitor classes. To explore the structure-activity relationships of this scaffold, a series of 2-mercaptoquinazoline-based hydroxamic acid derivatives (4a-e, 7a-i, and 10a-e) were synthesized and evaluated for HDAC inhibition and anticancer activity, with SAHA serving as a positive control. The 4a-e series emerged as the most potent HDAC inhibitors, with IC50 values of 0.33-0.87 μM, led by 4a (0.33 ± 0.02 μM), though weaker than SAHA (0.06 ± 0.01 μM). Cytotoxicity assays across colorectal (SW620, HCT116), breast (MDA-MB-231), prostate (PC-3), and lung (A549) cancer cell lines demonstrated that 4b (6-CH3) and 4c (7-CH3) were the most effective, achieving IC50 values of 0.93-1.34 μM in HCT116 and 1.79-2.08 μM in SW620. In the 7a-i series, compounds 7b (6-CH3), 7d (6-Cl), and particularly 7f (7-F) demonstrated notable cytotoxicity with IC50 values of 1.14-3.64 μM across SW620, HCT116, and MDA-MB-231 cells, comparable to the most active derivatives in the 4-series; conversely, bulky halogen substituents (7g, 7i) or the unsubstituted analog 7a led to markedly reduced activity (> 4.5 μM). The 10a-e series was significantly less active, and 10e (7-F) showed undesirable toxicity toward normal MRC-5 fibroblasts (IC50 = 0.72 ± 0.02 μM). Mechanistic studies further confirmed that 4c and 7f induced G2/M arrest and apoptosis in SW620 cells. Collectively, these findings highlight 4a-c and 7f as promising lead compounds, combining submicromolar HDAC inhibition, potent antiproliferative effects, and acceptable selectivity, providing a strong foundation for further development of quinazoline-based HDAC inhibitors. Molecular docking studies supported these results by revealing favorable interactions of the hydroxamate zinc-binding group and the 2-mercaptoquinazoline scaffold within the HDAC active site, consistent with the observed structure-activity relationship (SAR) trends.

Chitinase-3-like 1 (CHI3L1) is a key factor in regulating inflammatory processes and development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) since is highly produced by synoviocytes and macrophages in the development RA. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model is the most widely used because its pathogenesis is similar to human RA. Thus, we aimed to investigate if anti-CHI3L1 antibody could reduce RA development in the CIA model. To induce CIA, DBA1/J mice were immunized with a type II bovine collagen emulsion in complete Freund's adjuvant, and boosted type II bovine collagen. THP-1 and MH7A cells were used for pro-inflammation responses. Anti-CHI3L1 Ab treatment reduced the RA clinical score and paw thickness of mice. Inflammation-induced matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) expression was reduced by inhibiting CHI3L1, and MMP3 knockdown suppressed the expression of RA-related inflammatory cytokines in LPS-treated THP-1 and MH7A cells. Our findings suggest that anti-CHI3L1 Ab showed significant anti-arthritic effects by inhibiting MMP3 expression.

Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including cancer. In our previous study, we found that anti-CHIL1 antibody inhibited lung tumorigenesis. It has been reported that CHI3L1 is highly overexpressed in colon cancer tissue compared with normal tissue, and high levels of serum CHI3L1 have been associated with worse colon cancer prognosis. We investigated the anticancer effect of an anti-CHI3L1 antibody on colon cancer cells. The anti-CHI3L1 antibody inhibited the cell growth of colon cancer cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The anti-CHI3L1 antibody also reduced the migration but increased apoptotic cell death in colon cancer cells. Using STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes/Proteins), we identified an association between VEGFA and CHI3L1 in colon cancer. We confirmed interaction between VEGFA and CHI3L1 through immunoprecipitation. Furthermore, the combination treatment of the anti-CHI3L1 antibody and VEGFA siRNA inhibited cell growth but increased apoptotic cell death. Additionally, using the Human Base database, we found that CHI3L1 and VEGFA are associated with nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT). Furthermore, combining the anti-CHI3L1 antibody and NAMPT siRNA more effectively reduced cell growth and the expression of CHI3L1, VEGFA, and cell growth-related proteins, but significantly increased apoptosis-related proteins. The combination of VEGFA siRNA and NAMPT siRNA more effectively inhibited cell growth. Anti-CHI3L1 antibody inhibited the production of ATP and NADH in colon cancer and had a higher inhibitory effect on these levels when combined with NAMPT siRNA These data demonstrated that anti-CHI3L1 antibody is useful as a potential therapy for colon cancer by inhibiting NAMPT-dependent VEGFA expression and ATP and NADH levels.